EMBARKING ON A NEW CHAPTER: FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS BEGIN THEIR TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY OF GROWTH, INTEGRITY, AND INNOVATION AT KARATINA UNIVERSITY

On Monday, 19^th August, Karatina University proudly welcomed its newest cohort of first-year students during an orientation event held at the Graduation Square. The climax of the registration and orientation was the Vice Chancellor’s address, which was held at the Graduation Square. The event, marked by a warm and vibrant atmosphere, was graced by the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Linus Gitonga, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellors for Administration, Planning, and Finance (PFA) Prof. Richard Kiai, and Academic, Research, and Student Affairs (ARSA) Prof. Hellen Kamiri, as well as the Registrars for Academic Affairs and Planning & Administration. In attendance were members of the academic and administrative staff who joined in welcoming the new students.

The first-year students during the VC’s address on Monday 19^th August 2024

The event began with lively entertainment from the University Choir, Karate Club, Modern Dance Club, and other student groups, setting an upbeat tone for the day’s proceedings. The Acting DVC PFA, Prof. Richard Kiai, took the stage to introduce members of the administration. In his remarks, he shared three key insights for the students to carry forward:

Members of the University management during the event

The event’s highlight was the address by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Linus Gitonga, who delivered an inspiring and motivational speech. He urged the students to push boundaries, pursue innovations, and excel in their academic and personal endeavors. Prof. Gitonga emphasized two critical points:

1. Integrity: He implored students never to carry mobile phones into exam rooms and to always act with honesty.
2. Responsible Use of Technology: Encouraging students to leverage technology in productive ways, he challenged them to question the truth, to innovate, and to invent as they navigate their academic journey.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the university has set aside Ksh 25 million for research, encouraging students to come up with ideas and be guided by their lecturers. Additionally, he stated that the university will set aside a budget for talent development, and the recently launched World Academy for the Future of Women (WAFW) program will provide a global perspective on leadership and empowerment.

He further, spoke on the importance of mental health, reassuring students that the university provides an environment conducive to addressing these issues. He encouraged them to talk about their challenges, seek solutions, and develop resilience. He left the students with a powerful quote: “Freedom without accountability is not only slavery but irresponsibility.”

As the orientation came to a close, Prof. Gitonga urged the students to embrace challenges, remain open-minded, and stay committed to their goals. He encouraged them to reach out to peers who are yet to report and remind them of the opportunities that Karatina University offers.

In conclusion, he called upon the students to build lasting friendships, make the most of their time at the university, and become ambassadors of Karatina University. The event ended with a sense of anticipation and excitement for the journey ahead, as the students embark on a transformative path of learning, innovation, and personal growth.